‘Dark was falling from a dull and humid sky, and the lamps were beginning to struggle for brightness in Piccadilly, when the opal of Carmalovitch was first put into my hand . . .’ Written in an engaging style similar to that of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (author of the ‘Sherlock Holmes’ mysteries), these stories feature the entertaining experiences of a jeweller with a knack for solving mysteries, which he encounters as part of his unique position as a friend both to the wealthy and to the police. They will be of interest to readers who relish a certain Victorian type of atmosphere and plot that includes a fair amount of character study - in addition to being entertaining, they offer instructive food for thought regarding how greed and vanity affect human character. Contents Six of the stories from the original collection are included here. Following each story are four possible assignments that focus on descriptive writing and research. The student may complete as many of them as the teacher sees fit. The themes of the assignments are: a creative description of a place or concept a creative character description a long writing assignment involving retelling part or all of the story and a research assignment related to the story (on the topics of jewellery, safes, precious stones, etc.). The student may also find themselves inspired to write their own mystery, in which case they can refer to Pemberton’s stories (or the plot summaries) for inspiration, their own completed assignments for ready character descriptions and accurate research, and the tips in the ‘Write Your Own Mystery, Tips and Worksheets’ appendix for guidelines and worksheets to help with planning and writing! Bonus! Now includes a quick-reference sheet of images of precious stones, so students can keep an image in mind as they read. Note: This resource might be a good choice for National Storytelling Week (30 January - 6 February).

Compare and Contrast! The student will read two short Creation stories (included). A list of relevant themes for a ‘compare and contrast’ essay is included. The student will choose three topics that they feel are interesting (list provided), and write an essay in which they briefly address how those topics differ in each story. Detailed guidelines are given. This assignment will take at least one week to complete. Stories: ‘Grandmother’s Creation Story’, by Muskeke Iskwew A Creek medicine woman shares her grandmother’s telling of the creation of the earth, the animals, and humans, and subsequent events. (Note: this is a personal story and not the Creek creation myth as is found on Wikipedia.) ‘The Garden of Eden’ by Walter de la Mare A renowned children’s author writes a vivid description of the ‘creation of man’ and the ‘fall from grace’ as described in the book of Genesis in the Hebrew Bible. (Note: this is not a children’s version of the story, but a vivid ‘retelling’ in contemporary English.) TIP! This may be a good choice for a student with an interest in religion or anthropology.

‘Treasure Island’ is a classic that speaks for itself! Prepare yourself for subtle treachery, rough adventure, vivid characters and first class writing! Students in Grade 6-7 will surely enjoy the plot and characters of this timeless pirate adventure. Meanwhile, the impeccable writing of Robert Louis Stevenson makes this text perfect fare for students to begin exploring a full-length novel composed in a traditional, formal style. Here are printable pages to make an enjoyable Reading Comprehension unit for ‘Treasure Island’. For each chapter, you will find: One or two questions that focus on the reader’s experience and perceptions, under the title ‘Ask Yourself’. These may be used to stimulate discussion or for a written assignment of your choice. Twelve words, typed in a suitably nautical style, which can be used as a spelling test (oral or written) or an opportunity to expand the reader’s vocabulary. (Definitions are not included. Outdated terms are generally not selected.) A notebook page, imitating a diary page which Jim could have had in the time period, on which the reader should summarize (in their best penmanship and style) the chapter just read. In addition, you may choose to make use of some of the following, also included: · list of extra questions and suggested activities · recipe for ‘hardtack’ – possibly Cap’n Silver’s own! · extra styled notebooking pages. Print any of them you like, and use them for answering questions, further exploration of the book, etc. · a special page on which to draw your own treasure map! The full novel is available for free as a separate file in our store. Please be careful with your eyes, and limit screen reading to no more than 10 minutes at a time! Print the text if possible, or take frequent breaks.

I sat on my bed and looked out at the quiet woods, black and silver in snow and moonlight, and serene. There was nothing watchful or brooding about that stillness; whatever secrets were hidden in that forest were so perfectly kept that their existence could not be suspected nor even imagined by any rational faculty.’ ‘Beauty’ is a retelling of the classic fairy tale ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Written in 1978 and widely considered to be a classic, the novel is an excellent choice for readers in the 12-13 age group. Written in an easy, polished style, it is the sort of book that one reads more than once to relish the vivid characters, tantalizing details and satisfying plot. The carefully-crafted embellishments are all solidly founded on European history and folktale ‘magic’. In this file you will find plenty of material to make the novel into an enjoyable literature unit! Included here are: · Detailed instructions for how to proceed · Thoughtful written response questions, one for each of the ten chapters. Some of these include additional materials such as a painting or poem, which are included (Please note: this portion of the file is identical to the ‘Reading Comprehension: Beauty’ resource) · ‘History and Culture’ Topics. Choose from four topics to explore with further reading and writing assignments (all materials are included): ‘Griffins’, ‘Enchanted Forests’, ‘The Rose’ and ‘The Great Horse’. · Simple versions of the original folktale in English and in French · Bonus assignments (essay writing, further research, Beauty’s Reading List, cake-baking, etc.) Please note, the novel must be purchased separately.

I sat on my bed and looked out at the quiet woods, black and silver in snow and moonlight, and serene. There was nothing watchful or brooding about that stillness; whatever secrets were hidden in that forest were so perfectly kept that their existence could not be suspected nor even imagined by any rational faculty.’ ‘Beauty’ is a retelling of the classic fairy tale ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Written in 1978 and widely considered to be a classic, the novel is an excellent choice for readers in the 12-13 age group. Written in an easy, polished style, it is the sort of book that one reads more than once to relish the vivid characters, tantalizing details and satisfying plot. The carefully-crafted embellishments are all solidly founded on European history and folktale ‘magic’. In this file you will find questions and a few Bonus Assignments to make a solid Reading Comprehension unit for the novel. Included are: · Detailed instructions for how to proceed · Thoughtful written response questions, one for each of the ten chapters. Some of these include additional materials such as a painting or poem (included) · Simple versions of the original folktale in English and in French · Bonus assignments (essay writing, further research, Beauty’s Reading List, cake-baking, etc.) Please note, the novel must be purchased separately.

Mr. Pollexfen was at one and the same time right and wrong – a condition much more common than is generally supposed. ‘Captain Blood’ by Rafael Sabatini, first published in 1922, is a classic rip-roaring adventure novel that explores themes of justice, true love, individual courage, and right versus wrong. It influenced many pirate novels and movies that followed it, including ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’. The language is flowing and elaborate, a real thrill to read. Here you will find resources to make a full Unit Study for the novel. A close look at characters and settings, the real history behind the tale (Sabatini loved to set his stories amidst real historical events), and the nature of and motivation behind Captain Blood’s decisions are examined thoroughly, with four short complementary texts included (a first-hand account of slavery by the man who inspired Captain Blood’s character; a letter from the real pirate-turned-privateer-turned-lieutenant-governor of Jamaica, Sir Henry Morgan; a brief history of the colonial Caribbean; and a 17th century document describing elements of the British justice system – each with a short assignment linking it to the novel) . Included are: · Before and After You Read Assignment · Written Response and Discussion Questions · As You Read Assignments · Essay Writing Topics · ‘Historical Accounts’ assignment · A portrait – representing Captain Blood, or not? · Four complementary texts (see description above) with short assignments · Three music assignments, exploring the themes and mood of the story (instructions and links to free performances included) (The novel must be procured separately.) Note to teachers and parents: Most of the descriptions in the book are suggestive without going into great detail, however the first third of the book contains some disturbing violence (though not worse than any history novel with details about topics like ‘blood-letting’ or the beating of slaves). There is good reason for its presence in the story, and should not discourage readers from continuing.

Written by Newbery Award winner AVI ‘The Player King’ describes the amazing experience of a boy named Lambert Simnel who was plucked from his life as an orphan kitchen scullion and crowned king of England. The plot follows a real historical attempt to overthrow King Henry VII during the Wars of the Roses. Details and emotional content have been added according to the author’s imagination. ‘The Player King’ serves as an excellent bridge between reading on a simpler level and reading with greater attention to detail. It is well-suited to students in grade 6 (from ages 10 to 12). The writing style is simple and vivid, and the ‘ageless’ concepts of authority, destiny, and self-determination that are explored within the story will appeal to all readers (adults included!). The chapters are short and the action is quickly paced. Read ‘How To Use These Pages’, ‘About the Questions’, ‘About the ‘‘Looking At Language’’ Topics’ & ‘General Reading Comprehension Tips’. Print the pages of your choice: pages with four questions and one ‘Looking At Language’ topic for each chapter (to be answered in a separate notebook) OR pages with two questions per chapter (with space to answer on the page) AND/OR pages with ‘Looking At Language’ topics only (with space to answer on the page). Also included: a colouring page of a real Medieval engraving of Richard Neville, sixteenth Earl of Warwick, and full answer keys for each set of pages. Experience medieval places, people and events through the inspired words of an expert storyteller! Note: The book is protected by copyright and must be purchased separately.

This test is based on the information on pages 1-12 of ‘Western Civilization, A Brief History’ by Jackson Spielvogel, 4th Edition, used in Advanced Placement High School History classes. You may use some or all of the contents, according to your own study schedule. Contents 52 Multiple Choice Questions 7 Bonus Multiple Choice Questions 1 Long Answer Question Answer Key

Mr. Pollexfen was at one and the same time right and wrong – a condition much more common than is generally supposed. ‘Captain Blood’ by Rafael Sabatini, first published in 1922, is a classic rip-roaring adventure novel that explores themes of justice, true love, individual courage, and right versus wrong. It influenced many pirate novels and movies that followed it, including ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’. The language is flowing and elaborate, a real thrill to read. Here you will find Reading Comprehension resources for Grade 12 students, to take a thorough look at the story, its timeless themes, and its unforgettable characters. Included are: · Before and After You Read Assignment · Written Response and Discussion Questions · As You Read Assignments · Essay Writing Topics · ‘Historical Accounts’ assignment · A portrait – representing Captain Blood, or not? (The novel must be procured separately.) Note to teachers and parents: Most of the descriptions in the book are suggestive without going into great detail, however the first third of the book contains some disturbing violence (though not worse than any history novel with details about topics like ‘blood-letting’ or the beating of slaves). There is good reason for its presence in the story, and should not discourage readers from continuing.

This test is based on the information on pages 12-21 of ‘Western Civilization, A Brief History’ by Jackson Spielvogel, 4th Edition, used in Advanced Placement High School History classes. You may use some or all of the contents, according to your own study schedule. Contents 52 Multiple Choice Questions 9 Bonus Multiple Choice Questions 1 Long Answer Question Answer Key

This test is based on the information on pages 23-29 of ‘Western Civilization, A Brief History’ by Jackson Spielvogel, 4th Edition, used in Advanced Placement High School History classes. You may use some or all of the contents, according to your own study schedule. Contents 51 Multiple Choice Questions 5 Bonus Multiple Choice Questions 1 Long Answer Question Answer Key

Here is a nice way to re-use brightly-coloured thin cardboard from common household packaging! Included are: Detailed instructions with visuals Tips Four small and four large ‘autumn leaves’ templates Four small and four large ‘hearts’ templates Four small and four large ‘snowflakes’ templates samples of completed mosaics Make your empty Kleenex boxes into a pretty craft! Larger cardboard mosaics can be completed by younger children, and smaller ones by older children, teens or adults. Use your completed mosaic to decorate the cover of a notebook, make a card, as a wall hanging, or give it as a gift! Cardboard Mosaics and other similar crafts (such as cut and paste puzzles) are excellent tools for developing fine motor skills. This in turn can improve a student’s ability to play a musical instrument, write neatly, give attention to detail, show patience, and concentrate for longer periods of time. Go slowly and be generous with your praise – fine work takes practise and perseverance!

Explore different styles and forms while reading poems and literary excerpts on a variety of topics; practise your writing with assignments that encourage creative and thoughtful effort! In each Fantastic Fragments Collection there are 20 printable reading and writing assignments. Complement your main curriculum with short age-appropriate texts, each matched with a unique writing assignment. This Collection is especially suited to sensitive students aged 11, or in Grade 6. It may also be used for older students, as teachers see fit. There is no limit to the number of selections you can use. You may work through them in order or choose a topic or assignment to suit the moment. Full instructions are included. For each piece of writing, there are: · A brief introduction to the author and the excerpt · A short ‘As You Read’ guide · Two questions to be answered in writing or in discussion · One writing assignment, specific to the excerpt We used these selections for our daughter as a significant part of her curriculum, and they were an excellent way to prepare her for advanced classical learning-style assignments. Most importantly, they focus on a genuine love of reading and writing, inviting students to notice and appreciate literary form and style without immediately labeling or categorizing elements of good writing. The selections in Level Two are slightly more challenging than those in ‘Sundry Snippets’ Level One.

Explore different styles and forms while reading poems and literary excerpts on a variety of topics; practise your writing with assignments that encourage creative and thoughtful effort! In each Fantastic Fragments Collection there are 20 printable reading and writing assignments. Complement your main curriculum with short age-appropriate texts, each matched with a unique writing assignment. This Collection is especially suited to sensitive students aged 11, or in Grade 6. It may also be used for older students, as teachers see fit. There is no limit to the number of selections you can use. You may work through them in order or choose a topic or assignment to suit the moment. Full instructions are included. For each piece of writing, there are: · A brief introduction to the author and the excerpt · A short ‘As You Read’ guide · Two questions to be answered in writing or in discussion · One writing assignment, specific to the excerpt We used these selections for our daughter as a significant part of her curriculum, and they were an excellent way to prepare her for advanced classical learning-style assignments. Most importantly, they focus on a genuine love of reading and writing, inviting students to notice and appreciate literary form and style without immediately labeling or categorizing elements of good writing.

Here is a mini-lesson plan to go with the free music file: Pause & Play ‘Running’, featuring a concerto movement by Brescianello and a piano sonata by Scarlatti. ‘Pause & Play’ Music Appreciation mini-lessons are made for elementary-age students and their teachers or parents. Download the free basic file here:https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-12556504

Here is a mini-lesson plan to go with the free music file: Pause & Play ‘Journey’, featuring an Indian children’s song about a Train, a modern piece of music for sitar (and other instruments) performed by Anoushka Shankar, and a short selection for tabla and voice. ‘Pause & Play’ Music Appreciation mini-lessons are made for elementary-age students and their teachers or parents. Download the free basic file here:https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-12556504

Here is a mini-lesson plan to go with the free music file: Pause & Play ‘Dinner’, featuring two jazz tracks by Paul Desmond: Take Five and Unknown. ‘Pause & Play’ Music Appreciation mini-lessons are made for elementary-age students and their teachers or parents. Download the free basic file here:https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-12556504

Here is a mini-lesson plan to go with the free music file: Pause & Play ‘Together’, featuring a solo singer (with drum and rattle), a Cree Round Dance, and a group of Mohawk Women (The Sweetgrass Singers). ‘Pause & Play’ Music Appreciation mini-lessons are made for elementary-age students and their teachers or parents. Download the free basic file here:https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-12556504

Here is a mini-lesson plan to go with the free music file: Pause & Play ‘Wood’, featuring an Acadian mouth-reeling song, an Acadian folk melody with wooden flute, and a fiddle tune with stomping feet (and other instruments). ‘Pause & Play’ Music Appreciation mini-lessons are made for elementary-age students and their teachers or parents. Download the free basic file here: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-12556504

Here is a mini-lesson plan to go with the free music file: Pause & Play ‘Summer’, featuring three pieces of ‘Early Music’. First is a song with instrumental accompaniment (Sumer is icumen in), second is a solo piece for viol (Estampie) and last is a madrigal (for several voices). ‘Pause & Play’ Music Appreciation mini-lessons are made for elementary-age students and their teachers or parents. Download the free basic file here:https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-12556504